pride-and-prejudice

Not yet, however, in spite of her disappointment in her
husband, did Mrs. Bennet give up the point. She talked to
Elizabeth again and again; coaxed and threatened her by
turns. She endeavoured to secure Jane in her interest; but
Jane, with all possible mildness, declined interfering; and
Elizabeth, sometimes with real earnestness, and sometimes
with playful gaiety, replied to her attacks. Though her manner
varied, however, her determination never did.
Mr. Collins, meanwhile, was meditating in solitude on
what had passed. He thought too well of himself to comprehend
on what motives his cousin could refuse him; and
though his pride was hurt, he suffered in no other way. His
regard for her was quite imaginary; and the possibility of
her deserving her mother’s reproach prevented his feeling
any regret.
While the family were in this confusion, Charlotte Lucas
came to spend the day with them. She was met in the vestibule
by Lydia, who, flying to her, cried in a half whisper,
‘I am glad you are come, for there is such fun here! What
do you think has happened this morning? Mr. Collins has
made an offer to Lizzy, and she will not have him.’
Charlotte hardly had time to answer, before they were
joined by Kitty, who came to tell the same news; and no
sooner had they entered the breakfast-room, where Mrs.
Bennet was alone, than she likewise began on the subject,
calling on Miss Lucas for her compassion, and entreating
her to persuade her friend Lizzy to comply with the wishes
of all her family. ‘Pray do, my dear Miss Lucas,’ she added
in a melancholy tone, ‘for nobody is on my side, nobody
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